Corning Incorporated, a 173-year-old material science and innovation powerhouse, has a storied history of innovation in glass, ceramics, and advanced manufacturing processes. With annual revenues exceeding $12 billion, the company has made its mark in industries ranging from automotive to life sciences to display technology. Most people have likely used Corning’s innovations, such as Gorilla Glass for smartphones or catalytic converters for cleaner air, even if they’re unaware of it. The author of Corning’s digital transformation is Soumya Seetharam, the company’s Chief Digital and Information Officer (CDIO), who has held her role for the past two years.
As CDIO, Seetharam oversees Corning’s global IT operations and its digital evolution. “Corning operates in 42 countries with over 80 manufacturing facilities and 50,000 employees,” she said, emphasizing the complexity of keeping operations running smoothly. Her focus on digital initiatives aims to enhance how Corning operates and innovates.
One of Seetharam’s core beliefs is that “in the future, everyone will be a technologist.” She further explained, “There won’t be jobs without interaction with data. The ease of tools like generative AI and low-code platforms means that anyone can leverage technology to solve problems.” This philosophy underpins Corning’s efforts to empower employees with cutting-edge tools while reducing the need for specialized training.
Tackling Technical Debt to Unlock Innovation
For Seetharam, managing technical debt is a cornerstone of enabling innovation. “Tech debt often fragments data, making it harder to harness insights and deploy AI or machine learning,” she noted. By addressing legacy systems, Corning has
significantly reduced its technical debt, saving $10 million annually and improving agility and cybersecurity. “Modernizing the network across many sites has created a strong foundation for innovation,” Seetharam added, highlighting that these changes not only cut costs but also unlocked opportunities to scale transformative technologies.
Corning GPT: A Generative AI for the Enterprise
One of Corning’s recent innovations is its private instance of ChatGPT, aptly named Corning GPT. This initiative reflects Corning’s dual focus on innovation and intellectual property protection. “We wanted to bring generative AI into our environment but without risking our intellectual property,” Seetharam explained.
Corning GPT operates in a secure environment disconnected from the internet, infused with Corning’s proprietary data. “Our employees love experimenting with it,” she said, adding that early adopters and a community of practice have driven use cases ranging from operator assistance on factory floors to productivity enhancements across departments.
A Tech-Savvy Board Driving Strategy
Seetharam credits much of Corning’s digital momentum to its forward-thinking board of directors, which includes a dedicated Technology Committee. “Typically, technology discussions happen in audit or risk committees, which focus on regulatory compliance and cybersecurity,” she said. Although these are still salient topics at the board level, Corning’s committee also facilitates strategic discussions, aligning technology with the company’s growth objectives. “This forum allows us to not only discuss risks but also influence company strategy,” she explained. “It’s a powerful enabler for a CDIO to have a board that’s invested in driving digital transformation.”
Harnessing Data for Decision-Making
Looking ahead, Seetharam is focused on helping Corning capitalize on its vast data resources. “We aim to elevate data management and leverage generative AI to enable better decision-making across the company,” she said. This aligns with Corning’s broader mission to innovate across industries, from connectivity solutions for data centers to advanced display technologies.
A Bright Spot in Challenging Times
Despite financial challenges over the past 18 months, Seetharam’s team has been a source of optimism. “We’ve been the bright spot, investing and innovating in tech and digital,” she said. With initiatives like Corning GPT and a commitment to modernization, Corning’s digital transformation is poised to amplify its legacy of innovation.
Seetharam’s leadership exemplifies how digital and IT can serve as catalysts for change, ensuring Corning’s next chapter continues its legacy of innovation in material science and beyond.
Peter High is President of Metis Strategy, a business and IT advisory firm. He has written three bestselling books, including his latest Getting to Nimble. He also moderates the Technovation podcast series and speaks at conferences around the world. Follow him on Twitter @PeterAHigh.